Picture ordering and processing

Abstract

A method of processing a photograph comprises capturing or downloading the photograph onto a mobile electronic device with text messaging capabilities. The photograph is then transmitted in a text message to a remote server which is able to identify the mobile electronic device, and to match the mobile electronic device with information stored in a database relating to the mobile electronic device. The photograph is transmitted to a printer for printing the photograph on a physical medium. The photograph on the physical medium is then transported to a destination point address contained in the information stored in the database.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of processing a photograph comprising:
 capturing the photograph onto a mobile electronic device having a dedicated telephone number, the mobile electronic device having a camera thereon which is used to capture the photograph, the captured photograph being stored on a memory drive in the mobile electronic device, the mobile electronic device further having a text messaging application for composing and transmitting text messages and attachments; 
 transmitting the captured photograph stored on the memory drive in or with a text message using the text messaging application to a remote server which is able to identify the mobile electronic device from the dedicated telephone number recognized by the remote server and associate the text message with an account stored on the remote server; 
 matching the mobile electronic device with information relating to the account which has been previously stored in a database of the remote server by a user of the mobile electronic device and relating to the mobile electronic device; 
 the remote server processing information in the text message relating to the captured photograph comprising preferred size of photograph to be printed on a physical medium, delivery preferences, number of photographs required; 
 transmitting the captured photograph on the remote server to a printer and printing the captured photograph on a physical medium based on and incorporating the information in the text message; 
 calculating costs for the printed photograph and effecting payment from the user based on payment instructions from the user; and 
 transporting the photograph printed on the physical medium to a destination point address contained in the information stored in the database relating to the dedicated telephone number whereby the photograph printed is delivered to the user of the mobile electronic device. 
 
     
     
       2. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the mobile electronic device is a mobile telephone having the dedicated telephone number. 
     
     
       3. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the information provided comprises: the user's name, the user's address, and a payment source. 
     
     
       4. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the information provided is done through text message exchanges between the mobile electronic device and the remote server, and the information is stored in the database in a manner whereby it can be immediately matched or associated with the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device sends a text message to the remote server. 
     
     
       5. A method as claimed in  claim 4  wherein the remote server initiates a process of acquisition of information from the mobile electronic device when the mobile electronic device is not recognized by the remote server. 
     
     
       6. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the photograph is transmitted to the printer together with the destination point address, the destination point address being printed by the printer for use on or in association with the photograph on the physical medium to effect delivery. 
     
     
       7. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein a plurality of photographs on the physical medium are collected and arranged in an album for transporting to the destination point address. 
     
     
       8. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the destination point address can be changed for a selected photograph on a physical medium upon receipt of a text message from the mobile electronic device providing an alternative destination point address. 
     
     
       9. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the mobile electronic device is selected from a cellular phone, a smart phone, and a mobile tablet. 
     
     
       10. A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising security procedures for protecting information provided to and stored within the database. 
     
     
       11. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the remote server requests confirmation of default information relating to the size of the photograph on the physical medium and the destination point address each time it receives a text message from the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
       12. A method as claimed in  claim 1  wherein transportation of the photograph on the physical medium is delayed for a designated amount of time upon receipt of instructions from the mobile electronic device. 
     
     
       13. A method as claimed in  claim 1  further comprising placing one or more kiosks or booths at selected locations, associating a kiosk telephone number with each kiosk or booths, placing the kiosk or booth in communication with the remote server, and locating a printer within each kiosk or booths to print the photograph on the physical medium.